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The High Court of Kenya reviewed the bail terms of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and granted him a reprieve pending appeal.
Justice Winfrida Okwany approved the variation on Wednesday, setting bail at Ksh 20 million cash or two sureties backed by property securities of at least Ksh 30 million.
“The applicant shall execute a cash bail of Sh20 million or, in the alternative, provide two sureties with property securities of not less than Sh30 million each, subject to strict verification by the Deputy Registrar,” the judge ruled.
Court Revises Bail Terms for Waititu
The former Kiambu Governor, who has been in custody for approximately one year, was initially remanded in February 2025 following his conviction in a KSh 588 million corruption case.
On February 13, 2025, Waititu was sentenced to 12 years in prison or a fine of KSh 53.5 million for conflict of interest and receiving kickbacks.
Also Read: Blow for Waititu as Court Orders Forfeiture of Ksh131 Million in Ksh1.9 Billion Case
Although the High Court granted him bail pending appeal on July 31, 2025, it came with the strict condition of providing a KSh 53 million bank guarantee.
Waititu has remained at Kamiti Maximum Prison because he has been unable to secure the required bank guarantee from financial institutions.
Seeking a practical alternative, his lawyers filed a certificate of urgency in January 2026, requesting that the court allow a cash deposit or property sureties instead of a bank guarantee.
Earlier, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) opposed former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu’s request to review his bail terms, saying it lacked merit and did not meet the legal requirements.
Why ODPP Opposed Waititu’s Appeal for Bail Terms
Led by Renson Ingonga, the DPP explained that Waititu has not shown any changed circumstances since the original bail conditions were set in July 2025. Prosecutors also accused his defence of repeating old arguments and using tactics to delay serving his 12-year sentence.
The ODPP added that the existing requirement of a KSh 53.5 million bank guarantee is fair, pointing out that it was originally suggested by Waititu’s own legal team in earlier proceedings.
Also Read: Blow to Waititu as Court Upholds 12-Year Sentence
However, in her ruling, Justice Winfrida noted that bail terms must not be so strict as to defeat the purpose of granting bail. She also affirmed that the court has the authority to review bond conditions.
In this case, the judge observed that Waititu has remained in custody for seven months despite being granted bail pending appeal, partly due to his declining health
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File image of a judge’s gavel. PHOTO/Canva